RUST PREVENTION

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 63, 11 September 1937, Page 28

RUST PREVENTION

MEANS TO A CURE

No mechanical vehicles are invulnerable where rust is concerned; this "rusting" is a .simple affair whereby the oxygen in the atmosphere combines with-the metal to produce a metallic oxide. In the case of ferrous metals/ (iron, steel, etc.), the first onslaifght produces a yellow _ deposit which is fairly harmless. ■ 'Rub it off with brown paper," a metal merchant once said. As the process (which water hastens considerably more than air): becomes still further advanced,, the colours deepen through orange and brown deposits to a deep sepia, when once rusting has set, in, the only effective removal is to rub out with an abrasive, getting right down to bright metal. Vaseline has an adhesive quality, that makes it superior to grease as a preventative against rust formation. Paint-like finishes that set hard, flake, or allow corrosion under the finish are futile, by which is meant, instances of casual retouching when once, rusting has set in. If inaccessible rusty fittings aYe to be treated, one method is to wash in petrol, and scrub with graphite grease containing a trace of Brunswick Black. Too hard a scratching wire brush is not really necessary. If the affected parts can be silghtly heated beforehand, the pores of the metal are likely to retain the lubricant, and thus the treatment proves more effective on the restitution of normal temperatures.

"Rusting' 'of aluminium alloys means a chalky film, very evident in sea air or moist climates. The use of rectified (white) petroleum jelly is desir' able in this case. The great thing is to take steps to prevent rust spreading immediately you find it has set in.